Bauchi State Targets Global Livestock Standards with Tunisia-Backed Training Initiative

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Bauchi State has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming its livestock industry to meet international standards, with the goal of attracting global investors and boosting economic growth across the state.

The pledge was made by the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Bala Musa Lukshi, during a training session organized for livestock officers from the southern zone of the state, the training focused on best practices in animal feed and meat production aligned with global benchmarks.

Dr. Lukshi highlighted that since the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad has shown deep interest in advancing the sector.

This, he said, was evident in the Governor’s recent visit to Tunisia, aimed at learning from the North African country’s success in livestock farming.

He encouraged the trainees to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice to enhance livestock farming at the grassroots level, emphasizing the role of well-trained personnel in driving agricultural transformation.

The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to Dr. Amel Esseind and the Tunisian government for their support, particularly in the areas of feed formulation and milk production.

In her remarks, Dr. Amel Esseind, Chief Consultant of So AM So Consortium and Trading Company in Tunisia, commended the Bauchi State Government for prioritizing livestock development.

She noted that Bauchi is the first Nigerian state to benefit from the Tunisia-led initiative on milk and meat production, aimed at improving food security and creating jobs.

Dr. Amel revealed that a comprehensive livestock development report has been submitted to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, saying the document outlines strategic steps to elevate the state’s livestock sector and serve as a roadmap for implementation.

She stressed the need for farmers to be trained in animal identification, registration, and vaccination protocols.

Dr Amel, called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Livestock, the College of Agriculture, and other relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting impact.

The chief Consultant said, vaccination is critical in preventing deadly diseases and ensuring sustainable livestock productivity, adding that this project will significantly improve feed and milk production, positioning Nigeria as a major player in global animal food production.

Also speaking at the event, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Musa Adamu One, stated that 70 participants comprising animal scientists, veterinarians, and para-veterinary officers from seven local government areas in Southern Bauchi took part in the training.

He added that as part of the World Bank-supported L-PRES initiative, the state will soon construct modern abattoirs to ensure hygienic meat production.

Alhaji Adamu One urged participants to maintain high standards of hygiene and productivity in their operations to improve animal health and food safety across the state.

Some of the participants who spoke to our reporter expressed gratitude to the state government for equipping them with updated knowledge and practical skills essential for the development of the livestock sector.